Hook driver Archie Hamilton enjoys second Le Mans experience

HOOK racing driver Archie Hamilton is keen to give the 24 Hours of Le Mans another go after helping RAM Racing to 12th place in their class at this year’s event.

Last weekend’s event was Hamilton’s second crack at the world-famous race. His debut ended in disappointment as the car he was driving broke down after eight hours, but this time around, he was involved the entire time.

The 23-year-old took the second stint in RAM Racing’s Ferrari 458 Italia, getting them up to second in the LMGTE Am class at one point.

After six hours, Hamilton and his team were fourth, but a gearbox problem required some work from the mechanics and they only managed one lap in the seventh hour as they took the opportunity to change brake discs and pads at the same time.

The stop cost them any chance of a high finish, leaving them 17th in class, 13 laps behind the leaders, but it did fix the problem. The team were quick in the latter stages of the race, moving up five places to 12th, 15 laps off the pace.

Hamilton said: “It was the team’s first Le Mans, so to finish the race was a real achievement.

“Without the gearbox issue, I think we could have finished fourth or fifth. We could not match the leaders but we were competitive.

“To race through the night was new for me, and it was amazing. You are totally reliant on your headlights for part of the lap, but it went well for me. I didn’t have any really nervous moments.

“I love the event and it was a great experience to be part of it again. My goal for the next few months is to get a drive again next year, hopefully with the same team.”

Hamilton is back to action in the International GT Open Championship this weekend, racing his Corvette at Jerez, in Spain.